Safe Urban Driving Training (SUD)

Licence Checking Services for Professional Drivers

Safe Urban Driving (SUD)

Driving in urban areas is inherently more risky than driving on motorways or in rural environments. Whether a driver is operating a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), a public service vehicle (PSV) or is simply driving a car or van, they must be aware of different types of hazards that are not so prevalent in motorway or rural driving (for example, vulnerable cyclists at traffic lights and high volumes of pedestrians who may walk out into the road). Here at Driver Hire Uxbridge, our Safe Urban Driving (SUD) course ensures drivers are fully prepared to manage the risks posed by urban roads, and think ahead to minimise the chance of accidents.

Keeping urban road users safe

Our SUD course is expertly designed to help drivers learn about safe driving on urban roads, as well as complying with the requirements of standards such as Work Related Road Risk (WRRR), the Silver accreditation of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), and Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS). The course can be used towards the seven hours of training that drivers are required to complete for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

Driver Hire Uxbridge’s SUD course is divided into two main sections: theory and practical (an outdoor on-road cycling session). Here are some of the topics we will cover in each section:

Theory

The changing streetscape and the urban environment: Drivers will learn about factors like urban route planning and driving techniques.

Vulnerable road users and sharing the road safely: We will look at how children, cyclists, motorcyclists, new drivers and elderly pedestrians interact with traffic.

Defensive driving techniques: Drivers will learn techniques to help avoid collisions in the fast-paced urban environment.

Vehicle safety equipment: We will show drivers how to use and maintain safety equipment effectively.

Practical

Exchanging places, driver attitude and perception: By experiencing the road on a bike, drivers gain a new perspective to help them look out for vulnerable road users.

Introduction to active travel, driver fitness and health: We look at the importance of staying fit and healthy as a professional driver.

Hazard recognition: Drivers will navigate junctions, traffic lights and more to assess areas where conflict could potentially arise.

The benefits of SUD training for your drivers

As well as enhancing the safety of your employees and other road users in urban areas, our SUD course is designed to enable drivers to gain their CPC and meet the legal criteria needed as a professional driver. It also means that they comply with WRRR, FORS (Silver) and CLOCS, which is beneficial in building trust with clients and expanding your client base.